Miss Kate's Southern Kitchen

Location: N Mississippi and Skidmore, Mississippi Marketplace
Hours: Tues-Thurs, 10am-3pm; Fri/Sat, 9am-4pm

The Story:

Miss Kate, Charles’ grandmother, was from Vicksburg, Mississippi and Charles, the owner of the newest cart in Mississippi Marketplace is bringing the tastes of Mississippi to the street.

When Kate passed, Charles’ took control of the hundreds of recipes that Miss Kate had collected over the years from her time with the ladies at bridge and garden clubs. They would sit around and simply write down their favorites on the bridge pads, so some of the recipes don’t have titles. Charles takes the recipe and puts the ingredients together without truly knowing what the outcome will be. These are true southern dishes made by a descendant of the founders of Vicksburg. Charles loves to cook and it was at the cajoling for friends that he opened the cart. He also loves to tell stories – did you know the first bottle of Coke was made in Vicksburg by the Biedenharn Candy Company in 1894?

At Miss Kate’s Southern Kitchen, you can discover some amazing southern dishes like coleslaw, mac and cheese, succotash, chicken salad, meatloaf, turkey, pork roast, biscuits and gravy and their awesome pimento cheese. They also have southern fried chicken with biscuits which is what I enjoyed that opening week. I didn’t grow up with crispy homemade fried chicken, so as an adult, I’ve been seeking it out whenever I can. With just salt, pepper and flour, Charles creates an amazing crust that keeps the meat juicy and savory. The biscuits that come with the meal are something special. Sweet cream butter was a dominant taste in the biscuit, but the secret is actually a brown sugar/butter glaze that creates the sweetness I so loved. I’m excited to have Mississippi food now on Mississippi boulevard in my neighborhood.

Fried Chicken from Miss Kate's

Charles and his cart Miss Kate’s Southern Kitchen are open Tuesday through Saturday for the morning hours through the afternoon. You can enjoy some biscuits and gravy or grab a full meal. Charles has an extensive menu, so you can try all that he has to offer. I’m looking forward to some southern succotash. Drop on by this brand new cart and welcome them to the neighborhood and let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

Biloxi Biscits (Savory Biscuit)

• Biscuit and Bacon Gravy – $3
• Biscuits with Pimiento Cheese – $2.50
• Biscuit with Maple Syrup and Butter – $1.50
• Breakfast Biscuit with ham, bacon, or sausage – $3
• Biscuit Sandwich with choice of meat and egg and cheese with port beer cheese sauce – $4

• Vicksburg Beignet – 2 for $1.50, 6 for $4; Baker’s Dozen – $7.50

Sandwiches:

• Papaw’s Turkey Sandwich – turkey grilled in gravy, whole cranberry jam, onion cream cheese, greens, tomato, on grilled Italian white bread – $7.50
• Aunt Pat’s Ham Sandwich – country baked ham, pimento cheese, dill mayo, greens, tomato on grilled swirled white and rye – $7.50
• Mamaw’s Chicken Salad – rosemary chicken, cranberries, pecans, greens, tomato, Creole mayo, on grilled Italian white – $7.50

Other:

• Vicksburg Southern Fried Chicken – crispy fried chicken with a little kick – 2 pieces and served with cornbread or biscuit – $6
• Creole Beans and Rice with Cornbread – $5

Hours: Tues-Thurs, 10am-3pm; Fri/Sat, 9am-4pm
Phone: 503 724 7878
Facebook: Miss Kate’s Southern Kitchen

Velas Cart

Location: N Lombard and Burr
Hours: Daily, 11am-7pm

This guest post was written by Scott Batchelar, a regular at many of the carts throughout the city. Thank you Scott.

The Story:

“Welcome to Velas, how are you tonight?” says Mario Vela the owner and chef of the Velas food cart as I walk up to this small food cart pod which includes a Kruger’s Farm Market and Captured by Porches Microbrewery.

In Portland we have close to fifty Mexican Food Carts and for me the trick is finding the gems at each cart. I looked over the extensive menu of Mexican and American foods at Velas and asked Mario for some advice on what his favorite dishes are. He immediately recommended his chicken mole even though I am still perusing the menu to see what else looks promising. My eyes settle on the empanadas and after asking some questions I order both a beef empanada and the chicken mole.

Chicken Mole from Velas Cart

I sit down in the Captured by Porches Bus for a tasty and filling meal. I especially liked the tenderness of the chicken and authentic mole sauce that Mario makes fresh daily as well as the delicious topping of pico de gallo. Add to that the cheese in small cubes he placed on the moist and delicious beef empanada as a bonus.

Velas is open daily from 11am to 7pm. They have an extensive menu of Mexican and American foods including tacos, burritos, tortas, sopes, empanadas, memelas, garnacas, tamales as well as numerous Mexican and American drinks and burgers. With the Captured by Porches bus, you can sit inside out of the rain and even enjoy a cold microbrew. Velas is a great addition to this small but intimate pod. If you drop in let them know Food Carts Portland and Scott Batchelar, the unofficial Food cart King, sent you.

Sample Menu:

PLATES: (with rice & beans)

• Pollo En Mole (chicken mole) $6.00

BURGERS: (With fries or potato salad) $6.00

• Velas (jalapenos, tomatoes, onion, pepperjack cheese)
• BBQ (grilled onions, bbq sauce, cheddar cheese)
• Garlic Mushroom (mushrooms, swiss cheese)
• Chili (green chile, onions, provolone cheese)
• Cajun Chicken Sandwich (marinated chicken, pepperjack & chipotle mayo on foccacia bread

MEALS:

• Tacos (pastor, steak, chorizo, chicken, lengua) $1.50
• Burritos (pastor, steak, chorizo, chicken, lengua) $5.00
• Tortas ((pastor, steak, chorizo, chicken, lengua) $5.00
• Sopes (chicken or beef) $2.50
• Empanadas (chicken, beef, chicharron) $2.50
• Memelas (beans, salsa, sour cream, queso fresca) $2.00
• Garnachas (red sauce, potatoes, onion, beef) $2.00
• Tamales (Veracruz Style – Chicken) $1.95

DRINKS

• Mexican – Jarritos, Horchata, Sidral, Jamaica, Sangria, Tamarindo, Jumex $1.50
• Domestic – Pepsi, Fanta, Diet Pepsi, Dr Pepper, Sprite, Root Beer, Mt Dew, Coke $1.00

Hours: Daily, 11am-7pm
Phone: 503 754 2904

Grass Roots Cafe

Location: 3503 N Mississippi, north of Fremont
Hours: Mon-Sat, 12-9pm, Sun, 12-5pm

The Story:

Mississippi avenue is bookended by food carts with venerable elder statesmen FlavourSpot at one end and Mississippi Marketplace on the other. In between, just north of Fremont, a pod has struggled to take shape and keep carts. A new cart, Grass Roots Cafe looks to be one that will be there for awhile.

Grass Roots Cafe is the work of Ellis and his partner who opened the cart earlier this year. While Ellis attended culinary school at Clark College, looking at the menu and chatting with him, the flavors and feeling of the cart have been sitting in his culinary mind for years. Sandwiches, burgers, sliders, mac and cheese – and wings. Yes, chicken wings. We have had a few carts in town doing wings, but at this time, none are open, so if you want wings from a cart, Grass Roots Cafe is your place.

Upon arrival, Ellis was there, leaning out the window welcoming me and telling me about the specials. I was intrigued by the Charles Bronson Chili, but was more in the mood for a sandwich. He offers the “Bro that’s stupid hot” Chicken burger with grilled chicken, chipotle mayo, sliced jalapenos, insane heat sauce, lettuce and tomato. It even has a note that a waiver must be signed. I enjoy spice, so ordered it. Ellis started looking for the waiver. Seriously! I stopped him. I thought it was a joke, but it wasn’t. The sauce is made with habaneros and ghost peppers, some of the hottest on the planet. While I wanted a spicy sandwich, I opted to not include the insane heat sauce and Ellis served the sandwich up with a spicy BBQ sauce instead. The grilled chicken had a wonderful spice rub on it and paired with the chipotle mayo and jalapenos it was enough flavor and spice for my palate. A wonderful mix of flavors.

"Bro that's stupid hot" chicken sandwich

I love it that he has waivers for his hot sauce. That tells me he is proud of the heat. If you’re a heat fan, you should check it out and report back. I know I’ll be returning to try out the chicken wings – maybe on Monday nights when they are only 50c a piece. Drop on by Grass Roots Cafe, say hi to Ellis and try some of his vittles. They have covered seating and he’s open into the evening. Let him know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

The menu at Grass Roots is vast. Here are a few of the items offered.

• The John Bryant Pulled Pork Sandwich – $6
• Pedal Power: basil & pesto chicken sandwich – $5
• “Bro that’s stupid hot” Chicken Burger: chipotle mayo, jalapenos, insane heat sauce, lettuce, tomato – $6
• Grass Roots Burger – $3.75
• Chicken and Waffles – $7
• 2pc Chicken and Fries – $4
• Chicken wings – range from 6 wings for $4.95 to 48 wings for $38.95 and more
• Bacon Mac and Cheese – $5
• Shrooms and Mac – sauteed mushrooms and elbow macaroni – $5
• Green House Effect Salad – $4.75

Hours: Mon-Sat, 12-9pm, Sun, 12-5pm
Phone: 503 960 2623
Facebook: Grass Roots Cafe

Fiefs' Gourmet Dogs

Location: N Killingsworth and Greeley, North Station
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-6pm

The Story:

Everyone loves a good dog. Kids, college students, parents and even grandparents. A good hot dog evokes memories of a ballgame or that first camping trip. These days, at the food carts, an onwer must go beyond the standard steamed dog and offer something different in order to make their name. Fiefs’ Gourmet Dogs does just that.

Scott Miller opened his little travel trailer cart in October. After spending a lifetime working a jobs ranging from a paper route at age 12 to 18yrs as a chef and more time working in the restaurant industry, Scott switched careers to transportation and delivery. That career too made him ask what he was doing with his life. After a search of Craigslist, Scott found his cart, painted it, went shopping, designed a menu and launched his new adventure. He admits he needed to learn how to make fries, but with that kind of drive, he will succeed.

Portlandia Dog from Fiefs'

At Fiefs’ (sounds like beef), you can get a Frugal Frank, a ‘bare bones’ dog that you can design with any of the great fixin’s Scott offers for $3. Or, you can get crazy and enjoy the Cardiac Dog, a deep fried frank with pastrami, Canadian bacon, grilled onions, fries, provolone and mayo. Either way, you are going to enjoy what you eat and not spend more than $5. I opted for the middle ground with the aptly named Portlandia dog with German sausage, grilled onions, pastrami, cheddar-jack cheese, pepperoncini and Dijon mustard. I have had loaded dogs and usually, all the extra goodies fall off the top. Scott balances the sausage with the extras so that it is one well packaged unit. Nothing fell off the top or squirted out the back or broke through the bottom of the bun. The onions were sweet and caramelized; the pepperoncini had a kick; the pastrami and the German sausage were a great mix of salty, tubesteak goodness. A great dog with some great flavors.

Fiefs’ Gourmet Dogs is now open at North Station in north Portland. The location has indoor heated seating and Scott has a small tent to stand out of the elements while you wait for your dog. Check them out and let Scott know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

• Frugal Frank: standard dog – $3
• Kraut Dog: sausage, sauerkraut and spicy brown mustard – $3.75
• Rip City Dog: homemade chili, cheddar-jack cheese, onion and mustard – $4.25
• Portlandia Dog: sausage, grilled onions, pastrami, cheddar-jack cheese, pepperoncini & Dijon mustard – $4.75
• Slaw Dog: homemade killer koleslaw, mayo and mustard – $4.25
• Mexi Dog: salsa, jalapenos, cheddar-jack cheese and chipotle mayo – $4.25
• Crunion Dog: sausage, cream cheese, grilled onions, honey bourbon sauce and spicy brown mustard – $4.50
• Cardiac Dog: see description above – $6

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-6pm
Phone: 503 750 2816
Website: Fiefsdogs.com

Koi Fusion Mississippi Marketplace

Location: N Skidmore and Mississippi, Mississippi Marketplace
Hours: Daily and weekends, 12-8pm

The Story:

Koi Fusion opened a second permanent cart at Mississippi Marketplace. Serving up their signature Korean tacos, burritos and other items.

Website: KoiFusionPDX.com
Twitter: @KoiFusion
Facebook: Koi Fusion

Moctezuma Bros

Location: 3503 N Mississippi
Hours: lunchtime, weekdays

Phone: 503 933 8243

Traditional Mexican fare. More information coming soon.

Location: 3503 N Mississippi
Hours: weekdays: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Cheesesteaks, Pulled pork sandwiches, breakfast items. More information coming soon.

Phone: 5034773164

Istanbul Delight

Location: N Greeley and Killingsworth, North Station
Hours: Weekdays and weekends, lunch and dinner

The Story:

The food pod at North Station has gone through some big changes over the last year with some carts leaving and being replaced by new ones. One of these new carts, Istanbul Delight, is an excellent addition that may surprise you.

I have been able to enjoy all the flavors of the Middle East as a result of the cart scene here in Portland. I have heard arguments that the food throughout the region is all the same – falafel and gyros and hummus. I disagree with that generalization and argue that each country and culture has their own distinct flavors and spices and methods for creating meals. At Istanbul Delight, Kamo, the owner, presents dishes from Turkey, inviting you to enjoy his creations.

Vegetarian Plate at Istanbul Delight

We were in the mood for a light snack so we wouldn’t arrive at a BBQ later in the day stuffed and at Istanbul Delight, we were able to get small plates with big flavor. The Gül Börek, a phyllo dough roll with spinach, feta and onion baked inside is made fresh every morning. Kamo stated that you wouldn’t normally find this item later in the day because they make them in batches in the early morning and sell out quickly. The circular roll is deceiving. It looks big and heavy, but is light and airy and when you bite in. The buttery phyllo melts in your mouth with the wonderful mixture of the spinach, feta and onion. So good, it is hard not to stuff it all in your mouth. You slow down and enjoy every bite. The gül börek is served with a crisp Mediterranean salad of chopped cucumbers and tomatoes and spiced with a bit of mint and topped with a sprinkle of sumac. Cool and tangy and perfect for a light snack.

Istanbul Delight is now open at North Station in the Arbor Lodge neighborhood of north Portland. Look for the bright blue cart. Kamo’s menu goes beyond the gül börek and offers daily specials along with Turkish Coffee. Let him know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

• Beef/Lamb Gyro Wrap: served wrapped in pita with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion and tzatziki sauce – $6
• Falafel Wrap: chickpea patties wrapped in pita with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion and  tzatziki or tahini sauce – $5
• Gül Börek: spinach, feta and onion rolled and baked in phyllo dough. Served with Mediterranean salad – $4
• Vegetarian Plate: 1 gül börek, 2 falafel patties and Mediterranean salad – $6.50
• Cheese Borek: deep fried pastry filled with feta cheese and parsley – 4 for $4
• Turkish Coffee: $2

Hours: Weekdays and weekends, lunch and dinner
Phone: 503 894 4605
Website: IstanbulDelightPDX.blogspot.com
Twitter: @IstanbulPDX          Facebook: Istanbul Delight

The Rolling Stoves

Location: N Killingsworth and Greeley
Hours: Tues-Sun, 11am-3pm + Wed-Sat, 5pm-8pm

The Story:

Everyone loves a good french dip sandwich. We have a few carts in town who do them, and now North Portland has Gimme Sandwich who focuses all their energy on the French Dip.

The Rolling Stoves Gimme Sandwich is kinda a long name. I’m not sure if the cart is just The Rolling Stoves or Gimme Sandwich. Either way, it tells you what they are going for – an homage to that venerable British band while telling you what they specialize in. When they opened earlier in the year, the cart sold only a french dip sandwich having perfected it prior to opening. According to many who I spoke with, this is one of the best French Dips they had ever had. Quite a bold statement, but when you hear it from foodies and non-foodies, it begins to hold weight.

French Dip from The Rolling Stoves

While I enjoy a good French Dip, I’m not a dipper. I enjoyed plenty of homemade French Dip sandwiches as a kid and remember liking them, but after finishing, I had sauce and meat juice all over my face, arms, clothes and the dog. These days I just don’t like drippiness when eating something with my hands so I just got the sandwich without the sauce. Tri-tip is slow roasted and then thinly cut and served on a toasted french baguette with melted Swiss cheese, caramelized onions and horseradish mayo. The au jus is served on the side. This was a well thought out sandwich. While it is messy even without the au jus, the baguette is soft enough to bite through in order to keep everything together while you eat. Sometimes, the bread is too chewy and all the inside goodies shoot out the back of the sandwich. Not here. I loved the zing of the horseradish in the mayo and when mixed with the sweetness of the onions and the beef, it was an exceptional sandwich. Maybe I’ll need to rethink the whole dipping rule.

Gimme Sandwich has expanded their menu since opening, adding chicken salad, toasted cheese, ham and Swiss and a Mozzarella, tomato, basil sandwich. Venture up to North Station and give them a try and let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

• Famous French Dip: roasted tri-tip with melted Swiss cheese, caramelized onions and horseradish mayo. Served on french baguette with au jus on the side – $6
• Chicken Salad: herb roasted chicken, mayo, cranberries, celery and green onion. topped with melted Monterey Jack and Roma tomatoes – $6
• Ham and Swiss: black forest ham topped with melted Swiss, honey Dijon with fresh pineapple on the side – $6
• Mozzarella Tomato Basil: Mozzarella, ripe marinated Roma tomatoes, arugula and fresh basil on a french baguette – $6

Hours: Tues-Sun, 11am-3pm + Wed-Sat, 5pm-8pm
Phone: 310-486-4006
Facebook: Gimme Sandwich

Burgatroyd

Location: N Mississippi and Skidmore, Mississippi Marketplace
Hours: 11-3:30 daily, including weekends

The Story:

Last year, a fellow burger connoisseur, Nick Zukin, set out to discover Portland’s top burgers. While mostly concentrating on restaurants, Nick did highlight the burger at Garden State as one if his top 10. I’ve enjoyed the Garden State burger also and am excited to see that Kevin Sandri, the owner, has taken that burger and opened Burgatroyd.

Located at Mississippi Marketplace in the same cart that housed Kevin’s first incarnation of Garden State and the short lived T-Rex last year, you will find a wide grill, a deep fryer and a bagel toaster oven. Kevin was the only burger joint in the lot and up until recently, one of the only burgers on N Mississippi. Since his introduction of the Garden State burger last summer, the street has seen the influx of other excellent sandwiches from the likes of Bar Bar, Lucy’s Original and Mee Sen Thai. The street is quickly becoming a burger fan’s destination spot. Burgatroyd though, has one of the coolest names.

Burgatroyd offers up an excellent burger for great price. Each one is a 1/4 lb Highland Oak Beef and burgers are $4 with cheeseburgers at $5. What sets Burgatroyd apart from other spots is that you can build your own masterpiece and add extras like pancetta, pickled beets, fennel kraut, a pineapple slice, Calabrian chili aioli or even a fried egg. While normally I opt for a simple burger on a bun in order to enjoy what the chef has in store for me, I’ve enjoyed Kevin’s burgers, so know it will be to my liking. The day I visited, I decided to go for it and added the aioli, some chopped red onions, dill pickles and a fried egg. They added the pancetta accidentally and I didn’t complain. What I enjoyed that day was one of those mind blowing burgers you tell your buddies about the next time you’re having beers. Each of the extra items cost more, but it was well worth it. A juicy flavorful meat cooked medium rare had just the right amount of fat for flavor. The chili aioli has an initial spice but mostly an afterburn that was enjoyable with every subsequent bite and complemented the shoestring fries.

Hamburger and Fries from Burgatroyd

Burgatroyd is a great addition to the Mississippi Marketplace pod. Every time I enjoyed a beer at PROST!, I imagined what it would be like with a good burger. If Kevin decides to go late night come spring and summer, Portland will keep him busy. Next time you’re in the mood for either a simple or complex burger, check out Burgatroyd and let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

• Burger  – $4
• Cheeseburger – $5
• Burgafries – $2.50

Add-it-up for 25c each

• Fennel kraout
• Calabrian chili aioli
• Sliced red onion – raw or caramelized or pickled
• Pickled beets, giardiniera
• Mushrooms
• Dill pickles
• Pineapple slices
• Roasted tomatoes

Add-it-up for 50c each

• Roasted red pepper
• Roasted Poblano chile
• Sunchoke relish
• Cage free egg
• Pancetta for $1

Hours: Daily, including weekends, 11-3:30pm
Twitter: @Burgatroyd